Cheoy Lee 63 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cheoy Lee 63 is not a performance-oriented sailboat in the traditional sense; rather, it is a displacement hull that uses its ketch rig for stabilization, reaching in trade winds, and emergency propulsion. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio hovering around 25%, the vessel is exceptionally stiff and exhibits a slow, predictable motion in heavy seas. Most hulls are equipped with twin diesel engines, often Caterpillar 3208s, which provide the primary drive.

Under sail alone, the 63 requires a significant breeze to overcome its substantial wetted surface area. However, it excels as a motorsailer; by using the mainsail and mizzen to dampen roll, the boat achieves a level of "sea-kindliness" that pure powerboats of similar size struggle to match. The hydraulic steering and elevated flybridge provide excellent visibility, though most serious navigation is handled from the protected interior pilothouse during offshore passages. According to technical archives at the Cheoy Lee Association, the design was one of the yard's most ambitious efforts in combining a deep-vee entry with a stable, long-keel configuration.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cheoy Lee 63 is characterized by the yard’s signature heavy teak joinery and a layout that emphasizes long-term liveability. Most configurations feature three large double staterooms, each with an ensuite head, plus separate crew quarters forward. The heart of the vessel is the raised pilothouse, which integrates the helm station with a social seating area, allowing the watch-keeper to remain engaged with guests.

Because these boats were often semi-custom, variations exist. Some owners opted for a "galley-down" arrangement to maximize the saloon's footprint, while others preferred a "galley-up" design for better ventilation and light. The master stateroom is typically situated aft, spanning the full beam of the boat, and offers significant storage for world cruising. The use of solid teak and high-grade veneers throughout creates a classic, "salty" atmosphere, though the sheer volume of wood requires diligent climate control to prevent humidity issues. The 63 LRMS belongs to a family of designs that includes the Charles Wittholz-designed 53 Motorsailer and the larger 66 and 78-foot variants, all of which share the "ships-system" approach to plumbing and electrical wiring.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Cheoy Lee 63 has seen a resurgence in interest among modern "slow-boat" cruisers, notably featured in the "Learning the Lines" video series. The series provided a comprehensive tour of the 63-foot pilothouse variant Beleza, highlighting the model's transition from a legacy cruiser to a modern refitted liveaboard. The boat is also frequently cited in discussions of the "LRC" (Long Range Cruiser) movement of the 1980s, which is detailed in editorial retrospectives by Power & Motoryacht, where the yard's commitment to heavy-duty fiberglass construction is noted.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Cheoy Lee 63 with a focus on structural maintenance, as these vessels are now entering their fourth decade of service.

• Teak Deck Saturation: Like many Cheoy Lee models of this era, the teak decks were often fastened with thousands of screws through the fiberglass into a balsa or plywood core. If the caulking has failed, water intrusion into the core is a near-certainty, necessitating a costly "deck-peel" and re-glassing.
• Fuel Tank Corrosion: Many units were built with black steel or Corten steel fuel tanks. Given the vessel's massive fuel capacity (often exceeding 1,500 gallons), replacing rusted tanks typically requires cutting the cabin sole or even removing engines, a significant logistical and financial undertaking.
• Stainless Steel Quality: Historically, some Cheoy Lee hardware from the early 80s was prone to "crevice corrosion" or "bleeding" due to the specific grade of stainless steel used at the time. Rigging tangs, chainplates, and stanchion bases should be dye-tested if original.
• Window Frame Leaks: The large pilothouse windows are a common source of leaks. Owners often report that the original aluminum frames can corrode and lose their seal, leading to damage in the teak joinery below.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data is the Cheoy Lee Association, which maintains an extensive library of original brochures, designer notes for Seaton-Neville and Charles Wittholz, and a registry of hull numbers. This community is the best resource for sourcing original hardware or finding workarounds for obsolete mechanical systems.

The Verdict

The Cheoy Lee 63 is a "little ship" built for those who value safety and comfort over speed. It remains one of the few production boats of its era that can truly be called a trans-oceanic motorsailer.

Pros:

• Massive Range: Dual engines and high fuel capacity provide motor-vessel levels of autonomy.
• Exceptional Livability: The 3-cabin, 3-head layout is superior to most sailing yachts of the same length.
• Redundancy: The ability to sail home in the event of mechanical failure is a rare safety feature for a vessel this size.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: Extensive exterior teak and complex ship systems require a large annual budget.
• Poor Light-Air Performance: Requires the engines or 15+ knots of wind to move effectively.
• Draft Limitations: While moderate for its size, the nearly 7-foot draft limits access to some shallow cruising grounds like the Bahamas.